What are the effects of quitting smoking?

Question

I quit 7 days ago and my gums are really sore. Is this an effect of quitting? Any other syptoms I should be aware of or prepare for?

Answer 1

Not sure of the symptoms but CONGRATULATIONS. Please stick with it! Ther are a nasty, dirty, flithy things.
My mother smokes and my lungs have paid the price. However, she has had many gum problems over the years. Maybe the hurt is your gums starting to get HEALTHY and get all the crap out of them.

Answer 2

Honestly, you make just be sick. It's that time of year. After you quit smoking you are going to cough. You are most likely going to have some respiratory problems for a long time depending on how long you were a smoker. The stuffed up nose and not being able to clear your throat don't seem like a sign of quitting the smoking to me though. Good luck!

Answer 3

I quit after 55 years and 5 packs a day so some of my stuff is different

I felt like crap for 14 months, made 5 trips to the hosp for SOB

Gained weight because the food tasted better

Had smokers hack for about a month, coughed up a lot of phelgm for about a month felt very weak for about a month

Strong urges to smoke again after 3 weeks and 3 months

Next week only makes the 2 year mark for me

Answer 4

I go this off of the NY State Quit web site:

http://www.nysmokefree.com/newweb/default.aspx

Most people who are trying to stop smoking have some withdrawal symptoms, but usually do NOT have all that are listed below. Use this information to help you with the symptoms you do have and don’t worry about those that you do not experience. Remember that these symptoms are generally temporary in nature and a sign that you are on the road to recovery.
Irritability / Anxiety
􀀗 The body’s craving for nicotine causes irritability after you stop smoking.
􀀗 Irritability from nicotine withdrawal will lessen over time, typically between 2 and 4 weeks.
􀀗 Using the nicotine patch or gum should help to ease the cravings and irritability.
􀀗 Tell your family and friends that this may be a tough time for you. Remind them, and yourself, that it is a temporary symptom and you are doing something great for yourself.
Craving a cigarette
􀀗 Cravings for cigarettes happen most often during the first few days after you stop smoking. These cravings usually only last a few minutes.
􀀗 Cravings lessen over time. Most ex-smokers say that they only have an occasional urge to smoke 2 to 3 weeks after they stop smoking.
􀀗 Distract yourself by doing something other than smoking. Walks, talking with a friend or reading a good book are some examples of doing something else.
Coughing / Clearing Your Throat / Dry Throat / Postnasal Drip
􀀗 Smokers’ bodies create extra mucous to help rid the body of the harmful chemicals in cigarettes. When you stop smoking, your body stops making extra mucous. As you adjust to this change, you may need to cough or clear your throat.
􀀗 Coughing and other similar symptoms are signs that your body is healing itself.
􀀗 These symptoms usually go away a few days after you stop smoking.
􀀗 Drinking water or having hard candy is a way to ease the coughing.
Sleepless Nights (Insomnia)
􀀗 Nicotine can affect how deeply you sleep. When you stop smoking your body no longer has its “fix” of nicotine. This symptom usually goes away in a few days. Dreaming about smoking is also common.
􀀗 Deep breathing, a hot bath before going to bed and drinking decaffeinated tea or warm milk may help.
Lightheaded (Dizziness)
􀀗 Dizziness seems to happen because your body is getting normal amounts of oxygen, something that didn’t happen when you were smoking. This is a sign that your body is repairing itself and returning to health.
􀀗 This is a common symptom and usually lasts only one or two days after stopping smoking.

There's lots of other information on thist site that is very helpful.

Answer 5

I haven't heard of it, but I'm not surprised. The body is ingenious at demanding what it has become addicted to.

I have heard that it takes three weeks to break an addiction. I'm sure the next two may seem very difficult for you, but hang in there you will gain control, and eveything will be back to normal soon...and the long term effects are all positive!

Answer 6

i've been quit about a year the symptoms i got where after about 2 weeks i became very irritable after 2 months i couldn't stop coughing then after about 4 months my gums were sore 2 my partner quit at the same time he was just grumpy i think everyone is different. Well done for quitting keep up the good work xxx

Answer 7

Quit Smoking Cigarette With QuitSmokingMagic : http://Go.QuitSmokingMagics.com

Answer 8

Could be a reaction to the lack of nicotine, but ask your doctor as it could be something else...

congrats on your decision to quit...one of the side effects to watch out for is members of the opposite sex are way more willing to kiss than before...just an FYI... :)

Answer 9

Sore throat--go figure. Weight gain, because you eat more to compensate nicotine, just watch what you eat, and if you must munch, eat fruits and salads, or anything low cal/low fat.
Insomnia, the grouches. But if you can hold out for two weeks, the symptoms will ease, and after one month your smoker's cough will disappear; your taste buds and sense of smell will perk up; and the biggie: you will live longer.

Answer 10

hey, good choice bro.

i quit about 3 weeks ago... the only thing i've really noticed is the fact that i've been very irritable. other than that, i've noticed an increase in energy and breathing a little easier.